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Recent progress in continuous and semi-continuous processing of solid oral dosage forms: a review

By Tezyk, Michal; Ernst, Andrzej; Milanowski, Bartlomiej; Lulek, Janina

Published on

Abstract

Continuous processing is an innovative production concept well known and successfully used in other industries for many years. The modern pharmaceutical industry is facing the challenge of transition from a traditional manufacturing approach based on batch-wise production to a continuous manufacturing model.Objective: The aim of this article is to present technological progress in manufacturing based on continuous and semi-continuous processing of the solid oral dosage forms.Methods: Single unit processes possessing an alternative processing pathway to batch-wise technology or, with some modification, an altered approach that may run continuously, and are thus able to seamlessly switch to continuous manufacturing are briefly presented. Furthermore, the concept of semi-continuous processing is discussed. Subsequently, more sophisticated production systems created by coupling single unit processes and comprising all the steps of production, from powder to final dosage form, were reviewed. Finally, attempts of end-to-end production approach, meaning the linking of continuous synthesis of API from intermediates with the production of final dosage form, are described.Results: There are a growing number of scientific articles showing an increasing interest in changing the approach to the production of pharmaceuticals in recent years. Numerous scientific publications are a source of information on the progress of knowledge and achievements of continuous processing. These works often deal with issues of how to modify or replace the unit processes in order to enable seamlessly switching them into continuous processing. A growing number of Research Article papers concentrate on integrated continuous manufacturing lines in which the production concept of from powder to tablet is realized. Four main domains are under investigation: influence of process parameters on intermediates or final dosage forms properties, implementation of process analytical tools, control-managing system responsible for keeping continuous materials flow through the whole manufacturing process and the development of new computational methods to assess or simulate these new manufacturing techniques. The attempt to connect the primary and secondary production steps proves that development of continuously operating lines is possible.Conclusion: A mind-set change is needed to be able to face, and fully assess, the advantages and disadvantages of switching from batch to continuous mode production.

Journal

Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. Volume 42, 2016, 1195-1214

DOI

10.3109/03639045.2015.1122607

Type of publication

Peer-reviewed journal

Affiliations

  • Poznan University of Medical Sciences

Article Classification

review article

Classification Areas

  • Oral Solid dose CM
  • PAT

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